Small is beautiful

Find hometown charm in leafy Uptown Whittier, California

Whenever a Los Angeles friend of mine needs to unwind, he hops
in his car and drives to Uptown Whittier. Though only 10 miles east
of L.A.'s Civic Center, the quiet, tree-lined neighborhood reminds
him of his leafy little hometown in Missouri. On Friday mornings,
moms roll strollers down Bailey Street as they shop for organic
asparagus at the weekly farmers' market, then stop for gelato at
Mrs. Freeze and maybe watch a matinee at the glamorous art deco
Whittier Village Cinemas.

Havana House Cigars & Lounge.
WHAT: It's more about the lounge than the cigars at this
popular bar. The house special is the Bay of Pigs, made with beer,
Clamato juice, and pepper sauce.
WHEN: 2-12 Mon-Fri, 12-12 Sat-Sun.
WHERE 7020 Greenleaf Ave.; 562/698-2245.

Uptown Mexican Cafe.
WHAT: The pico de gallo is fresh, the guacamole chunky,
and the carnitas are perfectly charred on the outside but tender
and juicy on the inside. An added bonus: The dazzling Whittier
Village Cinemas is next door, making this a great stop for pre- or
post-movie dining.
WHEN: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
HOW MUCH: $.
WHERE: 7040 Greenleaf Ave.; 562/945-5877.